Mythology and Legends

ABORIGINE MYTHS & LEGENDS (originally Myths & Legends of the Australian Aboriginals (1930)
by William Ramsay Smith. B&W art reproductions and photos plus B&W artifact drawings. Cover painting by Joseph Lycett. Condition: PLEASE READ / UNREAD, BUT NOT PERFECT, 1996 Senate (UK) Trade Paperback, no printing given. Light edge wear with moderate tanning to page edges. Content: The culture of the Australian Aborigine reaches back across thousands of years to a mythic era they call the "dreamtime." The myths of the dreamtime wove an imaginatively rich world into being, filling a landscape of vast spaces with ritual and magic. With the telling of these marvellous tales, the barren world of the outback was transformed into a land in which all the elements - from animals and plants to the immensity of the night sky - realized a symbolic relation to one another. In passing on stories and legends of this wilderness, successive generations learned the skills needed for survival in this harsh world. This book places these legends in the context of the religion, kinship and social ties of this ancient people. Questions encouraged. [1 copy available]
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THE BEAR AND HIS SONS: Masculinity in Spanish and Mexican Folktales
by James M. Taggart. B&W illustrations. Condition: UNREAD 1998 Univ. of Texas Press Trade paperback, no printing given. Pale shelf wear to front cover near fore edge. Interior perfect. Content: James Taggart contrasts how two men--a Spaniard and an Aztec-speaking Mexican--tell such tales as "The Bear's Son." He explores how their stories present different ways of being a man in their respective cultures. He also focuses on how fathers reproduce different forms of masculinity in their sons, showing how fathers who care for their infant sons teach them a relational masculinity based on a connected view of human relationships. Questions welcome. [1 copy left]
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BEASTS OF MYTH AND MYSTERY
by Michael St. John Parker. Beautiful color illustrations by Andrew Jamieson. Condition: NEW 2007 Wessex (UK) soft cover, first prnting. Gilt lettering and design front cover. Content: Beasts and monsters, like ghoss, always exercise a peculiar fascination over the human mind, even though they embody terrors, horrors, matters from which we recoil. The exact origins of some of the bests of myth and mystry which have come to us from the ancient world have perhaps been lost in the mists of time. This selection of beasts of European myth and legend, however, gives a glimpse of the perilous world that lurked beyond the ordinary daily consciousness of the folk for whom these stories had great meaning. Many of the beasts described in this book have made their appearance in Rowling's Harry Potter stories, Lewis' Narnia stories, and Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Questions welcome. [1 copy left]
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BLACK FOLKTALES
by Julius Lester. Wonderful B&W illustrations by Tom Feelings. Condition: UNREAD c. 1991 Black Cat/Grove Books paperback, 14th printing. Name on title page with tiny edgewear & pale diagonal crease top back cover corner. Interior clean & tight. Content: These tales are from the black people of Africa and America - some are still told in Africa, some are from the time of slavery, some belong most to the black people in the cities, some have been told in the South so long nobody knows where they came from. Lester tells them "not as they were told a hundred years ago, but as I tell them now. and I ell them now only because they have meaning now." [1 copy available]
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THE BOOK OF WIZARDS: A Magical History
by Tim Dedopulos. Beautiful color art work. Condition: UNREAD 2005 Carlton Books large hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), reprint. Content: In this lively and informative book, every aspect of wizards ad wizardry is explored, from the myths of old to those wizards that have their basis in reality and the famous fictional wizards that have captured our imaginations. Packed with inside information and filled with stunning images, This book is a must for anyone interested in the way of the wizard. It even covers the wizard of Queen Elizabeth I. [1 copy available]
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BY JOVE! (Brush Up Your Mythology)
by Michael Macrone. B&W line drawings by Tom Lulevitch. Condition: UNREAD 1992 Cader Books small hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Content: From the author of Brush Up Your Shakespeare!, a third book in the successful Brush Up series that is a fun and imformative review of classical mythology. Macrone recounts classical myths and catalogs the characters/places which have lent their names and stories to our language. Illustrated end papers; index. 40 line drawings. [1 copy available]
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CALENDARS AND CONSTELLATIONS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD"
by Emmeline Plunket. B&W photos, drawings, & charts illustrate. Condition: PLEASE READ. UNREAD, but not perfect, 1997 Senate Trade paperback, reissue of the 1903 original edition. Problem: a bit of shelf wear to the front and back covers. Tiny edge wear. Interior perfect. Content: This is a wonderful book, IMHO!!! The night sky has fascinated humankind for thousands of years. Over the course of millennia, the movements of the stars have become inextricably entwined with complex systems of belief & of prediction that we have come to call astrology. This is a fascinating guide to the astrological beliefs of several important early civilizations. It traces the way in which shape & meaning has been given to the heavens through the arrangement of the houses of the zodiac which mark the passage of the astronomical year. Draws on the surviving records of the cultures of early Greece, Egypt, Persia, & India. Maps & engravings. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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CELTIC MYTHS, CELTIC LEGENDS
by R. J. Stewart. Beautiful color illustrations by Courtney Davis. B&W line drawings by Sarah Lever. Condition: NEW 1996 Blandford (London) large soft cover, reprint. Content: As English composer Stewart states, this is not an academic translation but a collection of tales that are retold with lavish illustrations. Stewart selected the Celtic stories from collections and man-uscripts, interpretations and reworkings of Celtic myths, and traditional ballads and tales. The ten stories come from Wales, Ireland, Brittany, England, and Scotland, suggesting the storytelling range of the Celts. These are hard-edged stories that illustrate the cruelty of an early people, but they are also fanciful and lovely. The author's retelling of these stories is very poetic and beautiful. Some of the myths: "Bran and Branwen" from Wales, "Wooing of Elan" from Ireland, "Red Shield" from Scotland, and "Marriage of Sir Gwain" from England. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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CELTIC MYTH: HEROES OF THE DAWN (Myth & Mankind series)
by Fergus Flemming, et al. Beautiful color maps and photos of sites, artifacts, and and art repros. Condition: UNREAD, but not perfect, 1996 Time Life large hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), no printing given. DJ has a very pale shelf wear scratch back DJ. Interior perfect. Content: The legends and artifacts found in this exciting new book explore the fascinating world of ancient Celtic legend and belief - accompanied by informative and engaging text and photographs. Reviewer: "Historical material can sometimes suffer from the stigma of being "dry" when it comes to reading material. Many find it difficult to read and have a hard time trudging through the facts. Even if the subject matter is of interest to a reader, its presentation can perhaps be lacking. This particular work, which is only one installment of a series, is an exception to that rule. Myth and Mankind was a series that revolved around the combining of one specific culture's mythology and history in a very unique way. By presenting an overview of ancient civilizations in this manner, it gave people who are not readers of history a chance to explore civilizations that have long been extinct. While this is the only title in the series that I have personally read, I did find it very fascinating and really loved how the writing combined elements of history and mythology and reasoned how they influenced one another. These two elements were reinforced and influenced by one another in vital ways and the material in this book was very entertaining and educational without being cumbersome." [1 copy available]
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A COMPREHENSIVE DICTIONARY OF THE GODS: From Abaasy to Zvoruna (AKA Ye Gods!)
by Anne S. Baumgartner. Condition: UNREAD 1995 Wings Books hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), reissue. Content: Reviewer: "Whether you are Catholic, Jewish, Muslim or Aetheist, this book has something for you. It briefly and poignantly presents a brief look at hundreds of gods and demi-gods from the various ages and regions of the world. Best yet, the gods, and all the eccentricities are presented with easy-going humor that makes the books easy reading and a useful reference. The only criticism that I can offer is that I would have liked to see a detailed bibliography of Ms. Baumgartner's source materials. This would make it a more useful reference tool for those doing research on particular gods or legends. This book was originally published in 1984 as "Ye Gods." Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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THE COYOTE ROAD: TRICKSTER TALES (Anthology)
edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling. Introduction by Windling. B&W illustrations by Charles Vess. Condition: NEW 2007 Viking very fat (527 pages) hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Content: While many of these tales are Native American, others are from other parts of the world. The editors have assembled 26 stories that present tricksters around the world. A shape-changing Japanese fox-girl comforts a lonely American boy; three generations of oil barons run afoul of Hermes and three human summoners protesting the family greed; an albino Cajun girl fools the devil. Settings are mostly other than present day and include ancient times. Readers who pay attention to the author's note will learn much about tricksters worldwide and their various natures. Each author's background is profiled, and while only a few have written books for children, all are previously published short-story writers. This excellent collection is bound to find an audience among experienced readers of the genre but is attractive to less-able readers, as well, for the short, punchy stories and an always-engaging trickster character. The Introduction is long and does have sources listed. Stories: One Odd Shoe (Navajo - Murphy); Coyote Woman (Dunn); Wagers of Gold Mountain (Asia - Berman); The Listeners (Greek - Hoffman); Realer Than You (Asia - Barzak); Fiddler of Bayou Teche (US - D. Sherman); Tale for the Short Days (Greek-NA - Bowes); Friday Night at St. Cecilias (US - Klages); Fortune-Teller (US-McKillip); How Raven Made His Bride (NA - Goss); Crow Roads (US - De Lint); Chamber Music of Animals (US-Vaz); Uncle Bob Visits (US - Stevermer); Uncle Tompa (Asia - Snyder); Cat of the World (US - Cadnum); Honored Guest (US - Kushner); Always the Same Story (US - Wein); Senorita and the Cactus Thorn (US - Antieau); Black Rock Blues (US - Shetterly); Constable of Abal (Link); A Reversal of Fortune (Black); God Clown (NA - Emshwiller); Other Labyrinth (Asia - Berry); Dreaming Wind (Ford); Kwaku Anansi Walks The World's Web (Africa - Jane Yolen); Evolution of Trickster Stories Among the Dogs of North Park After the Change (K. Johnson); and "Further Reading." Young Adult and up. Questions welcome. [2 copies available]
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EGYPTIAN LEGENDS AND STORIES
by M. V. Seton-Williams. B&W drawings and maps illustrate. Condition: NEW 2000 Barnes & Noble hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first thus, first printing. Content: Ancient Egypt has a rich tradition of stories and proverbs, recorded by scribes. This book raises these stories from the dust, and presents obscure ancient texts in a readable form. The selections date from the Old Kingdom to medieval times, the majority being based on religious themes. There are many surprising new texts here, but some of the themes seem familiar: the creation myth of Memphis theology is similar to the Bible while 'The Capture of Joppa' is an older version of 'Ali Baba'. [1 copy available]
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ENGLISH FOLK HEROES From King Arthur to Thomas a Becket
by Christina Hole. B&W original woodcuts by Eric King. Cover art: St. George by Raphael. Condition: NEW 1992 Dorset hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first thus, first printing. Content: Storytelling is a universal instinct, and stories of human heroes strike a perennial chord in every person's heart. Primitive man told stories in an attempt to account for his own existence and that of the world around him. When reading was the privelege of a very few, stories were the means by which people learned of their heritage and held on to cherished traditions. Professional storytellers never lacked for an audience, even today's children demand stories (usually insisting that the tale be told in the exact same words every time). Man's tradition is rich in stories, and stories of heroes are among the most lasting - as well as the most fun. Few countries are as rich in stories of heroes as England, and Christina Hole, in her now classic work English Folk Heroes, illuminates the tradition of the English hero as it has rarely been done before. The lives and legends of King Arthur, Robin Hood, St. George, Thomas a Beckett and many others are retold here in prose that is as lively as its' subjects. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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FIFTY MORE FABLES OF LA FONTAINE
by Jean La Fontaine. Translated by Norman Shapiro. Clever B&W illustrations by David Schorr. Condition: NEW 1998 Univ. of Illinois soft cover, first printing. Content: As surely as La Fontaine followed Aesop, American Literary Translators Association award-winner Norman Shapiro now makes fabulous 50 more fables of the wonderful La Fontaine. The original volume in 1995 celebrated the 300th anniversary of the French folklorist's death. Included in this volume: The Animals Ill With The Plague; The Ape And The Leop0ard; The Ass And His Masters; The Ass Dressed In The Lion's Skin; The Bear And The Two Companions; The Child And The Schoolmaster; The Coach And The Fly; The Crow Who Wanted To Imitate The Eagle; The Deer And The Vine; The Doctors; The Elephant And Jupiter's Ape; The Forest And The Woodsman; The Fox And The Goat; The Fox And The Stork; The Fox And The Young Turkey Cocks; The Fox The Ape, And The Animals; The Fox Who Lost His Tail; The Fox, The Flies, And The Hedgehog; The Fox, The Wolf, And The Horse; The Frogs Who Ask For A King; The Hare And The Tortoise; The Heifer, The Goat, And The Lamb In Consort With The Lion; The Horse And The Ass; The Lion And The Rat; The Dove And The Ant; The Lion Goes Off To War; The Lion, The Wolf, And The Fox; The Lioness's Funeral; The Man And The Snake; The Mastiff Bitch And Her Friend; The Matron Of Ephesus; The Middle-aged Man And His Two Mistresses; The Miser Who Lost His Treasure; The Money-burier And His Friend; The Mule Who Boasted Of His Family Tree; The Old Man And The Ass; The Old Man And The Three Young Men; The Partridge And The Cocks; The Peacock Who Complained To Juno; The Peasant And The Snake; A Reflection From Socrates; The Scythian Philosopher; The Sick Lion And The Fox; The Snake And The File; The Torrent And The Rivulet; The Treasure And The Two Men; The Two Cocks; The Vultures And The Pigeons; The Wolf And The Hound. Winners all! Questions welcome [1 copy available]
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THE FIRST LOVE STORIES: From Isis and Osiris to Tristan and Iseult
by Diane Wolkstein. "Abduction of Psyche" cover painting. Condition: UNREAD 1994 HarperPerennial Trade Paperback, 5th printing. Tiny edge wear to front cover corner tips. Content: Mythology in Love. Reviewer: "The First Love Stories" are beautiful, humorous and mysterious stories that go all the way back to 2500 B.C. Each story presents a different aspect of love. The Stories include: Isis and Osiris (Egyptian); Inanna and Dumzi (Sumerian); Shiva and Sati (Hindu); The Song of Songs (Hebrew); Psyche and Eros (Greco-Roman); Layla and Majnun (Arabic-Persian); Tristan and Iseult [Celtic-European) . A Glossary is included to explain words like "Ankh" or "ka." The Folklore notes at the end of the book are helpful for understanding the stories." Wonderful! Questions welcome [1 copy available]
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THE GREAT WING
by Louis A. Tartaglia, M.D. Beautiful wrap-around cover art, but no credit given. B&W illustrations - again no credit. Condition: UNREAD 1998 Executive Books Trade Paperback, no printing given. Content: This whimsical story about a Canada goose is really an analogy illustrating human transformation. As readers follow the tribulations of a rebellious fledgling who matures into the leader of a V-wing formation, they will recognize the value of virtues such as honesty, courage, and perseverance, and learn that an individual's strengths are magnified when they serve the needs of a group. [1 copy available]
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GREAT NORSE, CELTIC AND TEUTONIC LEGENDS
by Wilhelm Wagner. A few B&W art reproductions illustrate. Intro by W.S.W. Anson. Condition: NEW 2003 Dover Trade Paperback, no printing given. Unabridged repro of the 1907 original edition. Content: Captivating collection of legends and romances encompasses the principal hero-lays of the great epic cycles of the Teutonic Middle Ages — Hegeling and Nibelung legends, Beowulf, Knights of the Round Table, the Rhine legend of Lohengrin, and many more. Inspiring reading, both in and out of the classroom. [1 copy available]
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THE HAUGHTY TOAD AND OTHER TALES FROM BALI
selected and re-told by Victor Mason. Wonderful color artwork by the Artists of Pengosekan, Bali. Condition: Gently pre-read 1975 PT Bali Art Print (Bali) huge (14 x 11) hardcover (pictorial boards - no DJ), assumed first printing. Content: Primarily Hindu mythology and folklore of the Island of Bali - for children and adults, as well. Questions encouraged. [1 copy available]
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THE HOLY LAND: Myths and Legends (The Holyland)
by J. E. Hanauer. Cover art: The Departure of Abraham by Josef Molar. Condition: UNREAD 1995 Senate Trade Paperback, no printing given. Two pale "near-creases" bottom front cover corner. Tiny edge ear. Interior clean & tight. Content: Originally published in 1907 as The Folklore of the Holy Land. The Holy Land is often considered to be a region in which the extraordinary occurences of Biblical times eclipsed this storytelling cycle. It seems as if the weight of the Christian legacy allowed these rich lands only a brief cultural life before consigning them to obscurity, robbed of the vibrancy of the people who have continued to live there. Over the ages, ordinary Moslem, Jewish and Christian people have gathered to share their heritage. Whether it be beneath the full vines of Autumn or while taking refuge against the chill of a January downpour, these stories have been passed on and embellished for millennia. This volume provides an excellent guide to a neglected tradition, superbly retold by a sympathetic interpreter. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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HUAJATOLLA; Southern Colorado's Ancient Legends of the Land
written and illustrated by Kristen F. Naeyaert. B&W illustrations for coloring. Condition: NEW 2005 Earthwing (La Veta, Co) soft cover, no printing given. Content: Huajatolla is a Comanche word meaning "Breasts of the Earth" (Spanish Peaks). The mountain chain backing up to the Juajatolla is known as the Sangre de Christo which extend into Mexico. The wonderful symbolic drawings, along with the intriguing remnants of ancient stories, pull together a provocative interpretation of the Huajatolla legends. Includes legends from the Native American cultures to the Olmecs, Aztecs and Mayas to the gold seekers. Fascinating and very worthwhile book. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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THE INNER REACHES OF OUTER SPACE: Metaphor As Myth and As Religion
by Joseph Campbell. B&W drawings illustrate. Condition: UNREAD 1995 HarperPerennial Trade Paperback, reissue, first printing. Content: A reissued edition--with a new index--of one of the world-famous scholar's most popular books, which delineates his basic understanding of mythology and religion. Of most interest to me was the chapter on Native American (Navajo) healing songs and ceremonies. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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AN INTRODUCTION TO CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
by David Bellingham. Beautiful color photos of sites, artifacts, and art repros. Condition: NEW 2002 Eagle large soft cover, new edition, no printing given. Content: Includes examples of traditional folk-tales from the Celtic lands of Britanny, Cornwall, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Scotland and Whales. A comprehensive appendix lists the original sources for these tales, and full pronunciation are given. The text is interspersed with fascinating information boxes featuring Celtic art, religion, storytellers and archaeology. Dozens of photographs and pictures - all in full color! [1 copy available]
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AN INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTAL MYTHOLOGY
edited by Clio Whittaker. Beautiful color photos & drawings plus B&W woodcuts & drawings. Condition: NEW 2002 Chartwell large soft cover, no printing given. Content: This book explains the religious, social, and moral significance of Oriental Mythology; provides intriguing stories and legends told in a compelling style; and is illustrated in full color with beautiful examples of art inspired by Ancient Oriental myths. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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ISLAND STORIES: Unravelling Britain (Theatres of Memory, Volume II)
by Raphael Samuel. Decorated end pages. B&W illustrations. Condition: NEW 1998 Verso hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), no printing given. Content: This is an engrossing journey of discovery into the multiple meanings of national myth, their anchorage in daily life and their common sense of a people's destiny. Samuel reveals a palimpsest of British national hitories, offering a searching yet affectionate account of the heroes, villains, legends and foibles cherished by the "four nations" that inhabit the British Isles. Questions welcome [1 copy available]
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MESOAMERICAN MYTH: A Treasury of Central American Legends, Art, and History
by Anita Ganeri. Beautiful color photos, drawings, and Codex repros. Condition: NEW 2007 Chartwell Books (UK) soft cover, first printing. Content: The Aztec and Mayan civilizations both had a rich collection of myths that sought to explain and define the natural world and their own customs and beliefs. Discover the role of religion in these incredibly sophisticated cultures, including the significance of the "fifth sun," and visit the extraordinary cities of Tenochtitlan and Palenque. Although stated for grades 8-12, anyone interested in Mesoamerican and Ancient American mythology will love this book! [1 copy available]
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MEXICAN-AMERICAN FOLKLORE: Legends, Songs, Festivals, Proverbs, Crafts, Tales of Saints, of Revolutionaries, and More
by John O. West. B&W drawings & photos illustrate. Cover art by Jose Cisneros. Condition: Gently pre-read (to page 31 & abandoned) 1988 August House hardcover (pictorial boards - no DJ), first edition. After page 31, the book is unread. Clean & tight. Content: Reviewer: "The final chapter of this book is subtitled "A Little bit of Everything." That would also make a good subtitle for this entire volume of folklore that reflects Mexican heritage in America. The book has good folktales and legends from Mexican-American culture, but these texts comprise only a small portion of the interesting volume. There are good chapters on Mexican-American folk speech, proverbs, riddles, ballads and folksong, and folk poetry. The book moves beyond many compilations to include good chapters on folk drama, dance, traditional games, foodways, folk art, and vernacular architecture. The presentation of these forms of folklore is interesting, and West also includes good discussions that place the genres and folk expressions within cultural and historical contexts. It's a good source for general readers who wish to learn a bit about Mexican-American culture, and the supplemental materials and extensive bibliography will appeal to those who wish to delve into a more in-depth understanding of the subject." [1 copy available]
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MIRROR, MIRROR: Forty Folktales for Mothers and Daughters to Share
edited by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple (Yolen's daughter). Condition: UNREAD, but not perfect, 2000 Viking hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Problem: Edge wear to DJ with a small chip bottom front DJ edge. Interior perfect. Content: The subtitle notwithstanding, this collection compiled with her grown daughter, with whom she has co-authored two children's books, is more apt to resonate with women than kids, for whom the authors' commentaries on parental expectations, sex and abuse, which are sprinkled with references to psychology and feminist texts, will be too didactic. Impatient teens who want to read a story only once may also balk at the structure. Each section highlights several variations of either a particular tale--including ones about Persephone, Rapunzel and Snow White--or a theme--such as caring daughters, mothers-in-law or bad seeds. On the other hand, mothers of all ages will welcome the opportunity to get reacquainted with mother-daughter folk stories like the French "Diamonds and Toads" (also known as "The Fairy") about just rewards, as well as ones from Bengal, Nigeria and Armenia that are less familiar in the West. Some stories are unnerving, like "Daughter, My Little Bread," an Indian tale about a newlywed who kills her mother and then is killed by her husband, while the Lebanese tale of self-sacrifice, "The Mother," is heart-warming in the best sense. Headings such as "Really Good Mothers," "Hero Mothers," "Caring Daughters," "Mothers-in-law," and "Sex and-." As an introduction to each section, Yolen and Stemple explore their own relationship, the difference between what daughters want and what mothers want, the rewards of being good versus bad, and the great wisdom that women pass on as they nurture the next generation. Old European favorites like "Diamonds and Toads," "Rapunzel," "Cinderella," and "Snow White" are included, as are tales representing diverse cultures: Inuit, Chinese, Japanese, Native American Cherokee, Palestinian Arab, etc. The editors explain the significance of what they have done toward the end of the book. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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MOONSCAPES: A Celebration of Lunar Astronomy, Magic, Legend, and Lore
by Rosemary Ellen Guiley. B&W photos and era drawings & woodcuts illustrate. Condition: UNREAD 1991 Prentice Hall hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Content: This book will delight anyone who has ever marveled at the effect of Earth's satellite on the tides. A compendium of lunar lore -- fact & fantasy -- from prehistoric times to the Apollo program & thru the 1980s. Beginning with lunar science & history, it presents a potpourri of facts from alchemy to modern astronomy. Includes religious & mythological aspects of the moon, including its influence on fertility, love, prosperity, & good fortune; its use in magic, initiation rites, divination, & witchcraft; & its association with dark powers & creatures of the night, such as werewolves, vampires, & the spirits of the dead. Elegant illustrations, sidebars, charts, & lists. Chapters: What Do We Know about the Moon?; Myths, Rites, and Mysticism; Moon Magic and Lore for Love, Health and Properity; Night Things, Madness and Mayhem; and Man on the Moon and Beyond. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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MYSTERIES & MIRACLES OF ARIZONA: Guide Book to the Genuinely Bizarre in the Grand Canyon State
by Jack Kutz. Cover art and interior B&W illustrations by Mary Schold Robert. Condition: UNREAD 1992 Rhombus Trade Paperback, first edition. Tiny edge wear. Content: This book reviews several of the legends and lore of Arizona. Most of the chapters deal with supernatural tales such as ghostly apparitions and otherworldly encounters. One chapter covers the Travis Walton UFO abduction story. Walton's story was dramatized in the movie "Fire in the Sky." Another chapter is about the ancient Roman artifacts that were supposedly found buried near Tucson. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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MYSTERIES & MIRACLES OF NEW MEXICO: Guide Book to the Genuinely Bizarre in the Land of Enchantment
by Jack Kutz. Cover art and interior B&W illustrations by Mary Schold Robert. Condition: UNREAD 1990 Rhombus (Corrales) Trade Paperback, second printing. Very light edge wear with a very strange, pale "lighter-than-black" sport on the back cover - tag removal mark? Interior perfect. Content: Reviewer: "This is a terrific little book on some of the more bizarre people, places, occurrences in New Mexico. Of course there is a chapter devoted to Roswell (actually there are 3 UFO related chapters including the chapter on cattle mutilations). Then there are the stories about stashed gold and money, Native American women warriors, mystery inscriptions on rocks, spirit world windows (worthy of Keel himself), New Mexican witches, and the mystery surrounding Billy the Kid. It's a smallish book (217 pages) and would be highly suited for an "in-flight" read the next time you fly the friendly skies. It definitely makes you want to visit all the places mentioned within the book. Every one of its chapters addresses a specific topic or story, and at the end of every chapter the book gives directions to whatever it was talking about, and also recommends other sources for further reading on the same subject. Also 2 chapters on Billy the Kid. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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MYTH, RITUAL & RELIGION (Volume 1)
by Andrew Lang. Condition: UNREAD 1995 Senate Trade Paperback, no printing given. Originally published in 1887. Tanning to page edges with tiny edge wear. Content: This book provides a fascinating survey of humankind's ritualistic past before traditional beliefs and customs had began to suffer under the weight of more "rational" forms of thought. This volume is principally concerned with the rich and diverse myths of creation - of humans, the world and the cosmos - drawing on the experience of many differing peoples at various stages of developemnt. Myths from Greece, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Americas. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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MYTHIC VOICES: Reflections in Mythology
edited by Celia Barker Lottridge and Alison Dickie. B&W illustrations. Condition: Gently pre-read to page 38 and abandoned, 1995 McDougal Trade Paperback, second printing. Name inside front cover. Light edge wear front cover edges. Content: Myths and discussion of myths from all over the world. Categories: Creation, Tricksters and Transformers, Romance of the Warrior, and Monsters and Monster Killers, Adventures, Wonder Tales, and Journeys to the Other World. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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MYTHICAL MONSTERS
by Charles Gould. B&W drawings, art repros, and charts illustrate. Condition: UNREAD, but not perfect, 1995 Senate Trade paperback, no printing given. Light hinge crease from shelf wear with light edge wear. Tanning to page edges. Content: Reviewer: "This book was originally written in 1886 so parts of it are greatly outdated; however as a whole it is really not too bad for being as old as it is. The stated goal of finding fact in the myths and legends of people is consistent with the present day stated goals of cryptozoologists. Much of the book deals with the search for dragons in mythology and the texts he scrutinizes are 4000 years old and translated from Chinese. Much confusion results as some dragons are pythons, some crocodiles, some Iguanadon (for want of a better translation, probably actually referring to the Komodo dragon which was still undiscovered until about 25 years later) and some myth. The unicorn is also similarly treated however one passage mentions "in Tibet it is called serou" and later (1937?) a type of goat-antelope called the serow was discovered there. It did not have a single horn but was obviously the animal indicated. The sea serpent chapter deals with more recent sitings instead of texts several thousand years old and seem more strongly to indicate the prescence of an unknown animal compared to some of the other chapters. This book is one of the earliest works in the field of what would later be called cryptozoology and proves interesting in that context as the discoveries of the komodo dragon and serow are hinted at in this book." Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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MYTHOLOGY OF THE CELTIC PEOPLE
by Charles Squire. Cover art: Cuchulainn carries Ferdidad across the river by Wallcousins. Condition: UNREAD, but not perfect, 1996 Bracken Books (London) Trade Paperback, no printing given. Light shelf wear to middle back cover fore edge. Light tanning to page edges. Content: Originally published in 1912, this book has been a standard in the study of Celtic mythology. Presented ini this volume are the mythological, legendary and poetic traditions of the earliest inhabitants of the British Isles to leave written records - the Gaelic and the British Celts. Celtic gods, long banned by the priests' bell, book and candle, lived on in legend - transformed into ancient kings, dubious saints, or dwindled into fairies. Now, the Companions of the Red branch, the Birds of Rhiannon, the blood-soaked Cromm Cruaic, and Arthur and his Knights emerge as the gods and heroes the Celts always knew them to be. In this book, Square provides explanations, introductions to the chief characters, and the historical background to clarify the intricate web of stories. This book captures the magic and romance of ancient Celtic myths, the beauty of their poetry, and the dark fascination of Celtic beliefs. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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THE MYTHOLOGY OF SOUTH AMERICA
by John Bierhorst. B&W drawings & photos illustrate. Condition: NEW 2002 Oxford University Press Trade Paperback, updated edition, first printing. Content: More than any other continent, South America "has preserved the conditions that allow mythology to be freely produced." Dividing the continent into seven carefully mapped regions, John Bierhorst shows how South America's principal myths can be traced from tribe to tribe and how each region has developed its own unique oral tradition. Generous samples from the stories themselves introduce the female creators of the northern Andes, the male gods of the ancient Incas, and the Brazilian tricksters Sun and Moon. Originally published in 1988, Bierhorst has updated the text to reflect the abundance of new information that has become available since the mid 80s and written a new Afterward in which he emphasizes the durability of Indian mythology. Illustrations of native artwork and chapters devoted to special topics--including the connections between myths and politics--help to provide a well-rounded overview of this fascinating and little-known lore. Detailed maps show tribal locations and the distribution of key stories and samples of differing narrative styles add enrichment, as some of the world's purest and most powerful myths are made more accessible-- and more meaningful--than ever before. [2 copies available]
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MYTHS AND DREAMS: Exploring the Cultural Legacies of Florida and the Caribbean
by Jay I. Kislak Foundation, Inc. B&W era photos, drawings, art Condition: NEW 2000-2002 Kislak Foundation large coft cover, no printing given. Content: Book published in association with Florida museums exhibitions. Contents: Myths & Dreams: Exploring the Cultural Legacies of Florida 7 Caribbean; When Worlds Collided: Native Peoples Caribbean & Florida Early Colonial Period; Dreams of Empire: Legacies of Contact; Passage to New Eden: Tourism in Florida; Personal REflection, Florida: Last 500 Years. Also Intro, contributors, etc. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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MYTHS & LEGENDS OF EGYPT
by Lewis Spence. B&W photos and drawings illustrate. Front cover: Goddess Hathor from tomb of Seti I. Condition: Gently pre-read 1998 Senate (UK) Trade Paperback, first printing. Tanning to page edges with pale spine crease. Interior clean & tight. Content: First published in 1915, this classic in Egyptian mythology is still a gold standard. Spence presents the eader with an authoritative guide to the ancient rituals and stories of the Nile Valley. He describes all the important legends, from the earliest dynasties to those of the Graeco-Roman age, with a special emphasis on the periods when it is believed the religious myths originated and the greater gods came into prominence. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.59 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

THE PEOPLE COULD FLY: American Black Folktales
retold by Virginia Hamilton. Wrap-around cover art and interior B&W illustrations by Leo & Diane Dillon. Condition: UNREAD 1993 Knopf large soft cover, third printing. Tiny shelf wear "ding" spine. Content: Hamilton, Newbery Medal winner and recipient of the National Book Award and the Hans Christian Andersen Award, teams up with two-time Caldecott Medal winners, Leo and Diane Dillon, in this classic collection of American black folktales, winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. By turns droll, grisly, and spine-tingling, the 24 stories celebrate the indomitable human spirit, surviving under the most crushing circumstances of slavery. Traditionally, storytelling has helped people to push through sorrow and pain, especially when the stories are saturated with magic, mysticism, and fantasy. Bruh Rabbit, He Lion, Tar Baby, and other animals populate many of the stories. In others, John, the traditional trickster hero, outwits the slave owner time after time to win his freedom. Reviewer: "This book rates way up there as a wonderful resource for anyone who is trying to raise children to have an appreciation for the cultures that make up our great country. As a home educator, I am always on the lookout for multi-cultural resources that provide a window into the backgrounds of others. Since the author writes from personal background experience, as well as research into the African-American folktales, I believe it is an excellent representation of stories that children would have grown up with in that culture. Besides, it's exciting, interesting, fun to read aloud, and has wonderful illustrations! " Just wonderful, IMHO. Questions welcome. [1copy available]
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ROMANCE AND LEGEND OF CHIVALRY (Myths of the World series)
by A.R. Hope Moncrieff. Beautiful color plate section. 439 pages. Condition: Very gently pre-read 1995 Random House hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Gift inscription i nside front cover with light tanning. Content: Follows the legendary adventures of King Arthur and Charlemagne and the knights of the medieval Age of Chivalry and includes tales of Sir Lancelot and Roland, as well as an analytical essay on the period. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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SIGNS & SYMBOLS OF PRIMORDIAL MAN: The Evolution Of Religious Doctrines From The Eschatology of the Ancient Egyptians
by Albert Churchward. Intro by Dr. John Henrik Clarke. B&W photos and drawings illustrate. Condition: UNREAD 1994 A&B Trade Paperback, second printing. Light edge wear with 3 very pale impressions front cover. Content: Reviewers: "African people developed signs and symbols as a way of communicating and delivering messages. It is most unfortunate that most people who today are members of secret societies have no in-depth knowledge of the history of the society and the unifying role it played in the early intellectual life of the Nile Valley." "In order to gain a true conception of the origin & evolution of Freemasonry, its Signs, Symbols, and all its Rituals & Ceremonies, one must have also a knowledge of the origin & evolution of the Human Race, with all the Totemic Mysteries performed in Sign Language by Primitive Man. The author will teach knowledge of the Periodic Laws of the corpuscles, The Divine Laws of the Universe, for the reader to understand how and why progressive evolution is constantly and for ever taking place to reach that "higher type of Homo." and "Churchward was strait [sic] to the point that civilization came from Africa. He also traces the origins of his fraternal order of Masonry to ancient Egypt and also explaining the African origins of their signs and symbols." A complicated & detailed work. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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THE SONG OF EVE: An illustrated journey into the myths, symbols, and rituals of the goddess
by Manuela Dunn Mascetti. Beautiful classic color & B&W art & photos. Condition: UNREAD 1990 Fireside soft cover, first pritning, BMOC edition. Content: Reviewer: "[This book] compares conventional theological beliefs about the position of women in society to ancient stories involving early feminine archetypes. This book is a beautifully illustrated look at traditional religious art, mythological symbols and a reflective study of the Goddess. What makes these divine pictures and images even more breathtaking and achingly beautiful is the contrasting stories of repression of the feminine, and the misinterpretation and censorship that their beauty camouflages. This is an example of how our thinking has been distorted throughout history. Even the story of Eve is an example of "a patriarchal inversion of the myth of the hero-god born from the Goddess Earth, which had pre-existed Christianity." Eve can be a powerful archetype for women. We can enlighten our thinking and change our ways of looking at her by re-examining the gift of knowledge she gave us.We can can stop thinking that we, as women, have inherited the sin of all sin." [This book sounds very "new age" but the history and essays are interesting and educational - and the illustrations are worth the price of the book.] Questions welcome. [1 copy available.]
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SOURCE OF ALL EVIL: African Proverbs and Sayings on Women
by Mineke Schipper. Condition: 1991 Allison & Busby of London first edition hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket).. Assane N'Doye (Cover art). Name inside front cover possibly pre-read, but interior very clean & tight. A beautiful book. Content: Proverbs about women from every dialect and country in Africa. [1 copy available]
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SOUTH SEAS: Myths and Legends
by Donald A. Mackenzie. B&W photos, maps, and drawings illustrate. Condition: UNREAD 1996 Senate (UK) Trade Paperback, no printing given. Problem: Light tanning to pages. Content: The early Polynesians travelled thousands of miles across the vast, empty reaches of the Pacific in open canoes, sometimes to trade but often for the sheer thrill of adventure. And what adventures they were! In search of jade amongst the South Sea Islands the maoris found a more extensive island home that was later to be called New Zealand. Others journeyed from Borneo to Hawaii and from the Marquesas to the dark shores of Pre-Columbian America, mapping the night sky to return home and tell the tales of these marvellous voyages. Here are their legends. [1 copy available]
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THE STORY OF SIEGFRIED
by James Baldwin. Condition: NEW 2006 Dover Trade Paperback, no printing given. Content: The story of Siegfried, the brave young man who rode through fire to awaken the lovely Brunhild from a long sleep, has been told many times and in many variations. Baldwin's account, written well over 100 years ago, has taken bits and pieces from many different versions. The result is and adventure-packed retellings of "The Curse of Gold," "Nibelungen Land," "The War with the North-Kings," and sixteen other timeless tales taken from ancient Icelandic texts known as the Eddas. [1 copy available]
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SUN LORE: Folktales and Sagas from Around the World
by Gwydion O'Hara. B&W drawings illustrate. Condition: NEW 1997 Llewellyn Trade paperback, first printing. Content: This book offers a bridge between the primitive man--who lived and worshiped according to those things that were beyond his understanding--and the modern man of reason, who attempts to analyze the world in which he lives. These 50 illustrated tales present a celebration of the sun worshipers of ancient times, offered up for the insight and enjoyment of their descendants who dwell in an age of science. [2 copies available]
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THE TALE OF THE CID and Other Stories of Knights and Chivalry
by Andrew Lang. B&W drawings by H. J. Ford illustrate. Beautiful cover art by William O'Connor. Condition: NEW 2007 Dover Trade Paperback, no printing given. From 1905 "Red Book of Romance." Tiny shelf wear. Content: Great romances are old-fashioned stories filled with enchanted castles, mighty heroes, and lovely ladies in distress. This collection contains 19 such terrific tales, including several adventures of a brave old knight whose vivid imagination often gets him into serious trouble. 23 black-and-white illustrations. All ages, 9 and up. [1 copy available]
$ 3.99 + $ 3.09 media shipping,

TALES FROM THE MABINOGION (Young Adult Edition)
by Gwyn Thomas & Kevin Crossley-Holland. Beautiful color (and B&W) illustrations by Margaret Jones. Condition: NEW 1994 Gollancz (UK) large soft cover, third impression. Content: A retelling of the four books of the Mabinogion, a collection of Welsh medieval tales about the feats and exploits of legendary Welsh kings and princes. All ages. [1 copy available]
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TALES OF THE CELTIC OTHERWORLD
compiled and edited by John Matthews. Simply beautiful color illustrations by Ian Daniels. Condition: Gently pre-read 1998 Cassell (London) hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), reprint. No problems; just pre-read. Content: This book includes 16 tales of Celtic magic and mystery, with an introduction to the concept of the "Otherworld". The stories: Voyage of Bran Son of Febal, and His Expedition Here Below; The Voyage of Maildun; The Sick-Bed of Cu Chulainn; Adventures of Connla the Fair; Pwyll in Annwvyn; Story of Boand; Story of Conn-eda; or, The Golden Apples of Loch Erne; Voyage of Snedgus & Mac Riagla; Adventures of Art son of Conn; Cormac's Adventures in the Land of Promise; Adventues of Nera; Gold Apple, Son of the King of Erin; Adventure of Cian's Son Teigue; The Tuairisgeal; Urisk of the Corrie of the Howlings; and The Wooing of Etain. Appendix including some names of the Celtic Underworld; further reading section and an Intro "Immrama - Journeys to the Otherworld." Beautiful book. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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THE UNICORN
by Nancy Hathaway. Beautiful color and B&W photos, art masterpieces, drawings illustrate. Condition: NEW 2005 Tess Press hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), second printing. Content: Of all the legendary animals of art, folklore, and literature, the unicorn is the one with the greatest hold on our imaginations. In this magnificently illustrated book, the author takes us on a tour of unicorn lore - from China and Japan to India, the Near East, and Europe - from ancient times through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and into the present. Tapestries, illuminated manuscripts, sculptures and paintings, zoological illustrations, advertisements, and original art especially commissioned for this book will captivate all of us who are willing to submit to the magical charms of this fabulous and irresistible creature. Questions welcome. [2 copies available]
$ 10.00 + $ 3.29 media shipping,

WARRIORS, GODS AND SPIRITS FROM CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY
by Douglas Gifford. Wonderfully clever and colorful illustrations by John Sibbick. Wrap-around cover art is stunning. Condition: NEW 1985 Peter Lowe (UK) large hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), no printing given. Content: The civilizations of Central and South America have left a wealth of fascinating myths and legends. 53 stories from the ancient empires and from today's rainforest tribes. Contents: Myths from the New World; Gods of the Aztecs; Mayas and their Myths; Incas, Children of the Sun; Myths of the High Andes; Mysteries of the Valleys; Spirits of the Forest; Tales from the Amazon; Tales of Mischief and Magic; People of the Great Rivers; Far South; Tales of Southern Plains; Symbols in the Central and South American Myths; and Index. All ages. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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WATUNNA: An Orinoco Creation Cycle
by Marc de Civrieux. Edited & translated by David M. Guss. B&W maps and photo section illustrate. Condition: UNREAD 1990 North Point Press Trade Paperback, no printing given. Content: Originally published in Spanish in 1970, Watunna is the epic history and creation stories of the Makiritare, or Yekuana, people living along the northern bank of the Upper Orinoco River of Venezuela, a region of mountains and virgin forest virtually unexplored even to the present. The first English edition of this book was published in 1980 to rave reviews. This edition contains a new foreword by David Guss, as well as Mediata, a detailed myth that recounts the origins of shamanism. Fascinating! Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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THE WOE SHIRT: Caribbean Folk Tales
by Paule Barton. Translated from the French by Howard Norman. B&W drawings by Norman Laliberte. Condition: UNREAD 1982 Graywolf Press Trade Paperback, first paperback printing. Problem: light tag removal "shadow" and several loss of color "dots" top front cover. Interior perfect. Content: Reviewer: "This book contains 13 short folk tales collected from Paule Barton - originally a Haitian goat herder. They are accompanied by drawings by Norman Lalibene who has captured the spirits of the stories. The stength of this book is that it has kept an oral flavor and oral structure while being sufficiently literary to make the stories easy to read and enjoyable - this is not an easy feat. In the tales you will see a card-shark outwitted, a man unwilling to make a decision,a duck handler mistrusting a witch, bargains with ghosts ... in short, bits of Caribbean life. If you enjoy folk tales, give this volume a chance." Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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YEAR OF THE HORSE (Legends & Lore series)
by Nigel Suckling. Beautiful color illustrations by Wayne Anderson. Condition: Gently pre-read, if at all, 2002 Barnes & Noble padded hardcover (pictorial boards - no DJ issued), first printing. Tiny "ding" top back cover edge. Content: What does Chinese astrology have to say about the horse? This elegantly, stunningly illustrated combination of myth, folktale, and classic literature gives those with no prior knowledge of the subject a practical means of finding their own profile. Dip into a treasure trove of information that will help you determine your birth sign and interpret the significance of the horse in China. Always prized for their own sakes, and as tokens of wealth and strength, horses also symbolize the state's military readiness. Here are equines associated with different elements, with the positive and negative qualities, and associated planets: the charming water horse, for example is adaptable, communicative, and empathetic, but also inconsistent and restless. Throughout, ancient quotations from sages such as Lao Tzu present a range of views on this most important animal. "Plus": the key to happiness for the sign of the horse and predictions for the sign! Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
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